It was an idea shared by Jonathan Potter of Antique Maps of Bath on Margaret’s Buildings who said it was about “putting the independents of Bath on the map. There are great independents all over so it’s about joining the dots.”

But traders also want to see more leadership and strategy when it comes to where new shops are opening.

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Director of the arts and crafts specialist The Makery, Nigel Smith, said: “It feels like small businesses are getting none or little support.

“Premises are onerous in Bath, all the liability is on your head and for small businesses this is costly. Landlords seem to want big established businesses to come here as it seems easier for them to negotiate the lease periods.”

What about the Brexit effect?

Sue Shannon of Scandinavian homeware store Shannon on Walcot Street said: “Brexit has caused a great deal of grief. It’s caused so much uncertainty in the UK where businesses don’t know what’s going to happen.

And Emma Savage of Grace and Ted also commented on Brexit’s potential impact.

While “most independent businesses can’t afford the high rents and rates” shoppers “are no longer excited or inspired by our high street,” she warned.

She said: “Businesses here and elsewhere have been hit by the uncertainty following Brexit and for the most part, the hike in business rates. Whilst this backwards rate change is controlled by central government, there is more the council can do to engage with the business community to help find out what it is that businesses here need to survive.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council is retaining 100 per cent of its business rates collection to help boost the local economy over the current financial year, meaning no money is going back to central government.

Councillor Paul Myers, the Conservative administration’s cabinet member for economic and community regeneration said it is “absolutely essential” Bath keeps its independent scene.

“Obviously national chain stores have their place and are an important part of the shopping mix as they can provide an anchor to attract people to a shopping district, but it’s important they do not come to dominate the retail offer in the city.”

He added: “The council works closely with local businesses...to understand the needs of independent businesses in the city. Going forward I want to work with local businesses on what further actions we can take to support them and ensure Bath continues to thrive.”

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CEO of the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) Louise Prynne said Bath “will never become a ‘clone town” and “boasts a healthy balance between independents and name brand stores... attracting around five million visitors a year.”

Data analysis points towards the lowest proportion of empty business space across the south west, while vacancy rates in Bath itself are below the national average.

And according to Carter Jonas, ten recent offers have been made regarding empty units, “with a 50/50 split between independent and large retail brands.”

Bath BID CEO Louise Prynne

The BID’s FIVE reasons to shop local:

SERVICE

Local traders survive by their reputation and your recommendation so will often go out of their way to give great customer service. Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and furniture shops might let you try out furniture to make sure it fits up your stairs. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get competitive pricing and excellent service.

TALENT

When you shop local you are supporting a local entrepreneur to provide jobs in your area. Your personal feedback will help them to develop their product range and foster their business.

ORIGINALITY

You can find quirky and original products in a local independent shop which may not be available elsewhere, often produced locally so your shopping choices will be unique to your area.

REAL PEOPLE MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

Walking to your local shop and leaving the car at home, having a conversation with the proprietor, meeting up with local residents and participating in your community whilst you do your shopping are benefits which it is hard to put a price on.

YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY

There is lots of research available to demonstrate that for every £1 you spend with a small or medium sized business between 60 – 70% will typically stay in the local economy - be it via wages for a local person or rates paid to the local council, it makes your area better off.

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What else have businesses told us?

Ian Bell – Bath Chamber of Commerce

“Yes there are empty properties, but they are usually re-occupied pretty quickly and we can see plenty of evidence of new shops being fitted out today. Shopping in Bath is a success story we should celebrate.

Director of the Bath Chamber of Commerce Ian Bell

Angela McAusland – Bath chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

“We need to help support and retain our independent retailers in Bath, not only in the city centre but other smaller shopping hubs such as Widcombe Parade, Walcot Street and Bartlett Street.

“The high street has changed, due to the way we shop online more often, but rather than just watch more shops closing each week, we all need to collaborate to come up with initiatives, ideas and lobby the landlords for fairer rents and the government to rethink the business rates system.”

Angela MacAusland - FSB Bath

Robert Kann – Pitch 26

“Many high streets show evidence of turning and will keep turning more generic with bigger names and it can’t be helped what with the rates but on the flip side, I think there are still a good number of independents here and they will keep going.

“We have lots of markets and galleries but I think smaller businesses also struggle to find the right spaces.”

Robert Kann of Pitch 26, Bath

Sarah Denholm – Gallery Nine

I think it’s good to have a number of chains but there needs to be a focus on good, local independent shops as that’s what local and tourists want and when people come up here they say ‘we knew we’d find what we were looking for here’."

Nigel Cozens – Bath Old Books

“A fingerboard sign at the end of the road pointing up the street to show people what we have to offer on Margaret’s Buildings would make a difference.”

Nigel Cozens of Bath Old Books, Margaret's Buildings

Lee Theopimilus – American Dream Comics

“There is almost nothing individual in the city centre, this is why Walcot Street is essential.”